FAQ

What is group therapy?
In group therapy, 5-9 people meet face-to-face with one or more trained counselors once a week for 60-90 minutes, depending on the group. Members of the group share personal issues related to the theme of that particular group. Members also give feedback to each other by expressing their own feelings about what someone says or does. Confidentiality is addressed and emphasized in the group.
Some benefits of group include the opportunity to:
Realize that you are not alone
Decrease isolation
Receive support from others that experience similar issues
Observe and reflect on your own and others’ interpersonal skills
Benefit from both active participation and observation
Receive and give immediate feedback
Help others in group as well as receive help
Learn from others, discover new ways of coping or thinking about your problems
HOPE

What is confidentiality and are there any exceptions to this?
Confidentiality means that you have a right to privacy. In other words, what is said in session with your counselor stays in the session with your counselor.
The following exceptions apply:
1. You sign a written release of information, therefore, waiving your right to privacy and providing your counselor permission to disclose information to the person or institution that you specify.
2. Counselor receives a court order to release information and will notify you that the requested information will be released. Information is usually released in the form of a summary.
3. Counselor feels that you pose a danger to yourself or others. This may include but is not limited to: risk of suicide, perpetrator of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person or dependent adult, homicidal plans.
4. You are under 16 and your counselor feels that you are currently/recently a victim of rape, incest, abuse or some other crime.